Allergic RhinitisSneeze here… sneeze there… An extremely stressful experience that people with Allergic Rhinitis will be confronted with every now and then. Allergic rhinitis also known as hay fever is a common condition with symptoms similar to colds. It is an allergic disorder characterized by an exaggerated immune response to environmental triggers such as dust, smoke, pollution, animal fur, dander or pollen can trigger an allergic reaction. Despite its name, hay fever does not mean that the person is allergic to hay and has a fever.

There are two types of allergic rhinitis, seasonal and perennial. Seasonal allergies usually occur during the spring and fall seasons and are typically in response to outdoor allergens like pollen. Perennial allergies can occur year-round, or at any time during the year in response to indoor substances, like dust mites and pet dander. People are more likely to develop allergic rhinitis if she/he has a history of allergies. Having asthma can also increase the risk of allergic rhinitis.

Symptoms may include sneezing, coughing, scratchy throat, recurring watery and itchy eyes, recurring itchy skin, recurring runny and itchy nose, and frequent headaches. A person usually feels one or more symptoms immediately after contact with an allergen and some may only happen after long exposure to allergens such as headaches and fatigue. Some external factors that can worsen allergic rhinitis include cigarette smoke, chemicals, air pollution, perfumes, and wood smoke.

Allergic rhinitis can be treated with medications. Taking antihistamines or anti-allergy medicines can help suppress allergic reactions. Persons experiencing symptoms of allergy are advised to talk to their doctor first before trying any treatment for allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis if not treated can also lead to complications such as inability to sleep, worsening of asthma symptoms, frequent ear infections, sinusitis. No one can prevent the development of an allergy but an individual can minimize its impact by cutting down on potential allergens that will trigger your allergy. Management is the key.

-PNC-ZDN Rowence Zorilla

References:

1. Understanding Hay Fever — the Basics

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/understanding-hay-fever-basics

2. Allergic Rhinitis

https://www.healthline.com/health/allergic-rhinitis#types

3. Everything you need to know about hay fever

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160665#home-treatment

4. What is Allergy?

https://www.unilab.com.ph/allerta/allergy-101?gclid=CjwKCAjw7J6EBhBDEiwA5UUM2jJgtogGKFReneExGHmJhLWA26k1sPmpfkxtnKAsZ3FOwpsJOzR9MxoCS48QAvD_BwE